1997 Dodge RAM Pickup Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 12%of 17 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,346miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge RAM Pickup, 12% of the 17 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,346 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“!)at 36,246 miles, bolts holding tie rods to steering box broke while I was traveling on interstate. Had to fight Dodge to cover under warranty. Originally had vehicle in for 'wandering steering' before warranty expired. They replaced steering box, tie rods, ball joints, idler arm and other related componets. 2)18,276 miles later, same dealership states needs new tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm, and ball joints on left front. Feel these parts should be replaced free as they replaced themselves only 18,000 miles ago. Have provided proper maintenance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10016478, filed 2003-04, 36,346 miles“Dodge ram 3/4 ton 4x4, 1997 . . All vehicles I have drive. 5 or 6, all have steering wheel plan and front end wander. In other words you turn the steering wheel and turn it some more before the vehicle actual turns. Its like those old movies you see where people are moving the steering wheel back and forth all the time. Well that is what these dodges do . . They should all be recalled and fixed . . Its a big safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10144044, filed 2005-11Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge RAM Pickup
5 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM Pickup
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology